Stictocardia tiliifolia has been confused with Ipomoea campanulata Linnaeus ( = S. campanulata (Linnaeus) Merrill), which is similar in general appearance and grows also along seacoasts. The glandular-dotted leaves, calyx, and corolla, and the non-capsular fruits enclosed in enlarged, leathery sepals are distinctive for S. tiliifolia.

The nomenclature for Stictocardia tiliifolia has been the subject of some disagreement, and of the two different interpretations recently proposed, Austin et al. (Brittonia 30: 195-198.
1978) and Gunn (Brittonia 24: 169-176. 1972), the former is here followed.